The Eastern Cape province of South Africa, a region known for its rolling hills and close-knit communities, is grappling with the devastating aftermath of severe floods that have claimed the lives of at least 88 people. What began as heavy winter rains on 10 June 2025, quickly escalated into a catastrophic flood, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake. The small town of Mthatha became the epicenter of the disaster, as relentless downpours caused rivers to burst their banks, swallowing roads, submerging homes, and claiming the lives of scores of people.
Among the victims was a 10-year-old girl from Libode, whose body was recovered on Sunday morning. Her discovery further underscored the scale of the disaster. The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has announced a provincial day of mourning to be held on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in Decoligny Village, Mthatha, to honor those who perished in the floods.
The floods have left a trail of destruction, with roads washed away and homes submerged. Rescue teams are still on the ground, continuing the search for those who remain missing. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has urged residents to report any individuals who disappeared during the severe weather, emphasizing that public information is crucial for focusing search efforts and providing closure to grieving families.
The disaster has forced at least 6,500 people in the Eastern Cape to flee their homes. The South African Weather Service had issued a high-level warning for flash flooding and snow in several districts, including OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Amathole, and Joe Qabi.
Lumka Ndzendze, a 49-year-old grandmother from near Mthatha, experienced an unimaginable loss when the floods swept away her three grandchildren. On that fateful Tuesday, she left for work at 5am, unaware that within hours, her life would be irrevocably altered. The stream near her house swelled rapidly due to the heavy rains, breaching its banks and transforming into a raging torrent.
Ndzendze’s grandchildren – Indiphile Bavu, 11, Keneilwe Bavu, 8, and Cebo Bavu, 6 – were still asleep when she departed. By the time she rushed back to her home in Slovo Park, it was too late. The children had been swept away by the floodwaters, and her house was submerged. Everything she owned was gone. Ndzendze stood at the edge of the floodwaters until sunset, desperately hoping for a miracle as rescue workers searched for her grandchildren.
Ndzendze had been diligently paying off her home, which was located near a small stream, in installments. She is among thousands of residents who live in houses and shacks built close to rivers and streams, often due to limited housing options and economic constraints.
Recounting the tragedy, Ndzendze said that the children were supposed to wake up just before 7am to prepare for school. She had left them in bed as usual, as she and her son leave early for work. She works as a cook at a nearby school, and the children attended Bambanani Primary, a short walk from their home.
Upon arriving at work, Ndzendze witnessed water surging through the area, flooding homes. She immediately rushed back, fearing for her grandchildren's safety. When she arrived, her home was completely underwater, with only rooftops visible. Police officers and lifeguards were already on the scene, rescuing neighbors who had managed to reach their rooftops. Ndzendze and others roamed around helplessly until sunset, before being told to return the following day.
The next morning, the water had receded, revealing the full extent of the devastation. Ndzendze’s house was gone, leaving only the foundation. She found some of their belongings scattered along the stream, including TV sets, curtains, duvets, and the children’s clothes. Tragically, the bodies of her grandchildren were later found three streets away from their home.
Ndzendze said she has not yet received any counselling, and her daughter, Yolo Bavu, the children’s mother, is struggling to cope with the loss. The family’s immediate concern is arranging a funeral for the children.
Despite her own grief, Ndzendze expressed sympathy for her neighbors, noting that an entire family from a neighboring home was still missing when she returned to the area to collect what belongings she could find.
Beyond the immediate arrangements, Ndzendze is heartbroken by the prospect of a future without her grandchildren. She fondly remembers their presence, their noise, and their playful quarrels, which made her house a home.
Nolwando Pazima, from Ngqeleni, also experienced profound loss when her sister-in-law, Nomzekelo Pazima, 43, and her two-year-old son, Izibele, perished in the floods. Nomzekelo and Izibele lived in Slovo Park, and Nomzekelo worked in Mthatha. The family is awaiting further information from the authorities as they make funeral arrangements. Nomzekelo’s husband, who works in JOHANNESBURG, is devastated by the news.
The family was informed that the roof of their house was swept away, the house filled with water, and they drowned. Nolwando described her sister-in-law as a warm and kind person.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by national ministers and provincial government officials led by Premier Mabuyane, visited the affected areas, including Decoligny, the hardest-hit village in Mthatha.
Addressing displaced residents at the Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the unusual scale of the tragedy. He praised the coordinated response from the government at all levels in assisting the victims and searching for the missing.
Residents voiced their concerns to President Ramaphosa, noting that they were unaware of the weather warning due to disconnected electricity. Premier Mabuyane pledged to investigate the matter.
OR Tambo district municipal officials refuted allegations that they contributed to the disaster by opening the sluice gates of the Mthatha Dam. Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana dismissed the allegations as improbable, emphasizing that the municipality is focused on reinforcing water delivery efforts.
Richard Mokeona, a resident of Slovo Park originally from Sterkspuit, recounted his harrowing experiences trying to rescue people during the floods. He described the challenging conditions, with people desperately grabbing onto anything as the water swept them away. The air was filled with screams, particularly from women and children. While he and other residents managed to save some people, others were tragically lost to the floods.
Mokeona also revealed that he lost his job as a shepherd because the 37 sheep and goats he cared for were swept away in the raging water. In addition to the livestock, Mokeona’s employer lost his house.
Mokeona believes that many people died in their sleep because the water reached the roofs of houses in low-lying areas very quickly. Despite the losses, he is grateful to have helped save some lives.
Mthatha West resident Mancitshabe Gazula told President Ramaphosa that their area had been neglected due to an ongoing dispute with the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality regarding its suitability. As a result, they had not received essential services, including electricity, since February.
Speaking from the Decoligny Rescue Centre, Gazula said that the tragedy occurred while they were living in darkness. She believes that the extent of the damage could have been minimized if they had access to electricity and were able to hear weather warnings on TV or radio.
Gazula also highlighted the lack of basic services in the area, including toilets, running water, and maintained roads. She expressed frustration with the perceived neglect, stating that they are only remembered during elections.
Premier Mabuyane said that the government is seeking safer housing options for the displaced residents to prevent issues such as domestic matters that may arise from the current accommodation arrangements.
Mabuyane acknowledged that the province had never experienced such widespread devastation from floods before, noting that previous floods typically occurred during the summer months.
Minister of Traditional Affairs and Cooperative Governance Velenkosini Hlabisa attributed the floods to the effects of climate change. He cautioned against building houses in unsuitable areas, such as floodplains and riverbanks, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety.
Hlabisa stressed the need for a conversation about relocating people from flood-prone areas, acknowledging the desire for services but emphasizing the importance of living in safe locations.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government continues to provide emergency relief to thousands of residents displaced by the floods in the OR Tambo and Amathole municipalities. Temporary shelters have been established, and essential necessities such as meals, clothing, and hygiene items are being distributed to affected families.
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